In this episode of Hospitality Outliers, I sit down with a true industry maverick—Phil Bayly, the man affectionately known as ”The Cat in the Hat.” Phil isn’t just a bar owner; he’s a storyteller, a Mezcal ambassador, and a living embodiment of agave’s wild and bohemian spirit. From street murals in Amsterdam to creating a tequila empire across six countries, Phil’s journey is one for the books.

We talk about the friendships that shaped his career, the grit it takes to run 18 tequila bars, and the art of crafting hospitality that leaves a mark on your soul. Phil shares stories of running headlong into the chaos of cantinas, navigating the delicate dance between fun and order, and building brands that feel like home whether you’re drinking $5 tequila or sipping $500 Mezcal.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a chance encounter into a global legacy—or why the right kind of hospitality can make you cry into your enchiladas—this episode is for you. Pour yourself a Tommy's Margarita and let Phil Bayly take you down the agave rabbit hole. This is hospitality, unfiltered.